Moreno happy to be back in Southern California

Chivas USA was very active today after the MLS Expansion Draft, acquiring forward Alejandro Moreno from expansion club Vancouver Whitecaps FC for allocation money and an international spot. Moreno had originally been drafted by Vancouver 14th overall (7th pick for Vancouver) in the 2010 Expansion Draft from the Philadelphia Union.

“Hopefully I can add something to Chivas USA,” Alejandro says. “It’s important to me that Chivas USA has taken this opportunity to have me as a part of their team and I’m excited by the opportunity to add a new chapter to my career. Also I hope I can be a part of the turnaround of this organization as we look to be one of the better teams in the Western Conference and a more competitive team throughout MLS. ”

Alejandro is also very excited to return to Southern California where he began his MLS career with the LA Galaxy.

“I’m very excited about my coming back to the area,” states Moreno. “For me, it’s the place where I began my career and there’s some sentimental feelings about being in L.A. and being in the other locker room at the Home Depot Center.

The biggest thing that Moreno missed about Los Angeles was weather.

“I’m happy that the weather in California will allow me to get my shorts back out,” jokes Alejandro. “(The weather) is one of the most appealing parts of being in Southern California and that is certainly something that I’m looking forward to. I can remember those nights at the Home Depot Center where there was a cool breeze, but it wasn’t too cold, so it’ll be a fun time for me.”

Putting weather aside though, the biggest thing Alejandro wants to do is to make the Red-and-White a contender again.

“There’s a lot of anticipation in terms of what’s going to happen with this team. Obviously there’s a coaching decision that needs to be made and I know that there are some other personnel changes that are occurring within the team. I’m anxious to see what kind of team we’ll have on the field and what team we can put together to work towards becoming the side that we all want Chivas USA to be.”

The Venezuelan forward has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in Major League Soccer, having played 222 regular season games (177 starts) since joining the league in 2002. Playing with the LA Galaxy (2002-2004), San Jose Earthquakes (2005), Houston Dynamo (2006), Columbus Crew (2007-2009) and Philadelphia Union (2010), Moreno has 45 goals and 35 assists in the regular season in his career. With the Venezuelan National Team, Moreno has made 23 appearances, scoring twice.